3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Construction industry--South Africa

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    Addressing skills shortages in the South African residential construction industry through automation: a case study of Gauteng region
    (2019) Takawira, Memory
    The construction industry remains a cornerstone and plays a leading in many national and global economies and contributes up to 10% of GDP in developed countries and more than 25 % in developing countries. In South Africa since 2008, the industry has been contributing an average of 9% of the total employment in both formal and informal sectors and around 9% towards the GDP. Despite playing such a significant role i researches have shown that the industry is crippled with many challenges which amongst others include shortages of skilled personnel to do the work. The construction industry which oftentimes is however, over the years it has failed to deliver as per expectations owing to these skills shortages. Previous researches on construction skills shortage have focused on education and training as a remedy but this has failed to yield the desired solutions as the skills shortages are still being felt despite heavy investments in education and training. A more radical approach is thus needed to overcome these challenges. This study is therefore conducted to evaluate the potential use of robotics, automation and artificial intelligence in addressing skills shortages in the South African construction industry. In order to evaluate the potential use of automation and artificial intelligence in addressing skills shortages, there was a need to establish the records of the current skills shortage and the benefits of automation in overcoming such skills shortages. For this, meta-synthesis of existing literature was used for global skills shortages and the advantages of construction automation. To narrow down the issue of skills shortages specifically to the South African construction industry, five interviews were contacted to identify the enablers and threats for using construction automation in the country as well as the extent to which the use of such automation can affect the perceived labour intensive construction industry. Results from this study shows that, despite the construction industry playing a significant role in many economies globally, there are damning results when it comes to skills shortage. With the advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the use of automation and artificial intelligence in the construction industry is the next big thing. The research concluded that, although cconstruction automation and robotic technologies can be adopted and used, there should be compensation of the benefits accruing from the use of automation and artificial intelligence to offset the possibility of high levels of unemployment
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    Factors influencing selection of constructio procurement strategy for water infrastructure projects in South Africa
    (2018) John, Deena
    Construction procurement strategy concerns the decisions project owners and consultants make to procure the services of contractors and built environment professionals to deliver a new construction project or to carry out refurbishment work. The components of a construction procurement strategy are: packaging strategy; contracting strategy; pricing strategy; targeting strategy; and procurement procedure. Due to the uniqueness of each construction project and that clients undertake projects for different reasons, construction procurement strategies should be tailored to meet individual project and client requirements. However, research by Watermeyer, CIDB, Murdoch & Hughes, Rwelamila et al. and others have found that this is generally not happening, which, it is believed, contributes to adverse project outcomes. Leading researchers in the construction industry (Watermeyer; Egan; Murdoch & Hughes, Miller) are of the view that that much of the problems in construction relating to time, quality and budget can be traced back to poor procurement choices. If more attention is placed on getting the construction procurement strategy to match the client and project objectives, the belief is that better and improved project outcomes will follow.
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    The project team’s perceptions around premature construction: impacts and consequences of incomplete designs
    (2018) Widdop, David Kenneth
    Modern construction project delivery is accelerating, and fast track and concurrent engineering are becoming the norm. When projects are put out to tender under these fast-paced construction methods, there is evidence that the designs are not always complete before the documents are sent out, Kikwasi (2012) refers to incomplete designs at the time of tender when discussing the effects of delays and disruptions. Whilst there is no direct research targeting incomplete designs, especially at time of tendering, the evidence uncovered whilst researching the causes of project inadequacies, with regards to project deliverables trail, points to this phenomenon being relatively common. Reference is made to premature construction as a causation factor by, inter alia, Ramabodu et al (2010) who reported that it was the second most critical factor in cost over runs in their study. Likewise, Lee (2011) ranked delays in producing design documents fourth in importance of delay causes and 7th in frequency of delay causes. Despite numerous tools, programs and methods, projects still experience costly stops or pauses in the construction stage. Griego (2016), declares that at least one Project Team Member on most projects benefits from a premature start to construction, and although project team members may not be ready to start they are affected by peer pressure. Hence when a project starts construction prematurely, it experiences interruptions to construction at least once. This study exposes how the project team perceives the motives of premature construction, their influence on the project and project team along with their effects.
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    Challenges in the procurement process of housing infrastructure projects: case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements
    (2018) Guma, Vuyolwethu Fezekile
    This study reports on a quantitative descriptive design that investigates the challenges in the procurement process of housing infrastructure projects in the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements. The study compares two procurement strategies utilised in the department with regards to infrastructure related projects. Pretested questionnaires were distributed to 57 participants who were purposely selected consisting of Structural Engineers, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and officials working in Finance and Supply Chain Management. Findings of this study revealed that 1) there is a shortage of skills and that most organisations do not implement career programs in the supply chain management and the construction industry. 2) Both management and employees were aware of the procurement challenges in housing infrastructure projects 3) the turn-key procurement method compares favourably to the traditional methods, as the later has less budget variation, thorough planning since the contractors involvement during the initial stages of planning is evident. 4) a lack of clear communication between the department supply chain management and its supplier amongst a host of other factors because they are less supervised/ monitored and that resulted for wasting of time, no productivity, and poor performance. The cause of these problem stems from the lack of an appropriate procurement strategy for projects.
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    Relationship quality and service quality between contractor and construction client
    (2017) Singh, Evashne
    Purpose Existing studies demonstrate that contractors have not fully embraced the idea of forming relationships with their clients and providing superior service quality through improved project performance. Performance on projects has been poor and client contractor relationships have become adversarial as a result of the short term, profit orientated approach adopted by many construction firms. To improve client value and construction business sustainability, it is necessary that construction firms adopt a client- orientated approach to managing projects and this can be achieved through understanding the client’s needs closely. In line with the foregoing, the aim of the current research is to investigate South African public sector construction client’s perspectives on relationship quality between contractors and construction clients and their perceived shortcomings in service quality. Having this understanding will help contractors improve their service quality and their relationship with clients. This is likely to improve the competitiveness of contracting firms, thereby improving business sustainability. Methodology/ Approach A survey research design was adopted for this study. Adopting a semi-structured mailed questionnaire survey, 45 different construction client representatives, from 11 public sector organisations in South Africa were approached, out of which 10 client representatives of different roles and responsibilities responded (22% response rate). Public sector clients targeted were those who have mainly worked with contractors undertaking medium to large scale construction projects. The respondents incorporated project managers/ leaders and middle and senior management who have experience on construction projects. Initial contact was made telephonically and this was followed by the distribution of survey questionnaires through email. Findings Based on the responses from client representatives, the primary factors influencing relationship quality between client and contractor was found to be open and honest communication, followed by trust and fairness. The primary shortcoming in service quality was found to be competency, followed by a lack of open and honest communication. Competency related shortcomings incorporated the contractor’s inability to manage resources, time and cost on projects. The findings have also revealed that a small percentage of public sector clients are aware of the problems in service quality and have started to consider alternative procurement approaches to offset performance related risks and consequently, improve contractor client relationship quality and service quality. However, some public sector clients still support traditional procurement approaches and others are not knowledgeable on how ongoing challenges in relationship quality and service quality may be mitigated though adopting appropriate procurement strategies. Practical Implications Client contractor relationships are likely to improve when there is open and honest communication at all times and where there is a level of trust between contractors and clients. Service quality is likely to improve if contractor competence issues are addressed to effect better service quality through improved project delivery. Contractors engaging in open and honest communication with their clients is also likely to improve the service quality of contractors. To effect change it is necessary for clients to consider alternative procurement approaches to achieve better service quality and client contractor relationships. The consultant’s role becomes pivotal in ensuring quality service delivery and harmonious client contractor relationships. Originality This research adds to the limited studies in South Africa on the client’s perspectives on relationship quality and service quality. It bridges a gap in the previous studies, which have not investigated public sector clients’ views on relationship quality and service quality. Keywords: Construction Industry, Construction Projects, Contractor Performance, Relationships, Service quality
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    Strategic international risk variables influencing South Africa’s grade 9 construction firms’ entry mode choices into other African countries
    (2017) Ncalo, Trevor
    When firms expand into foreign markets, selecting the right entry mode strategy can be challenging and there are many variables that should be taken into consideration. There are various theories and constructs in the study of entry mode choice and risk is one of the common theories. It is therefore imperative for managers to take strategic international risks into consideration when deciding on an entry mode strategy. This study investigates the influence of these risk variables on the selection of entry mode strategies by managers within South Africa’s grade 9 construction firms. Research on entry mode choice dates back as far as the 1980’s and over the years many theories have been developed, thus a deductive research approach has been adopted for this study. Research aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of strategic international risk variables on the preferred entry mode strategy, within the context of South Africa’s construction industry focusing on grade 9 firms registered with the CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board). Research questions: What is the general profile of managers in South Africa’s grade 9 construction firms involved with the entry mode strategy decision? Which entry mode strategy is preferred by managers in South Africa’s grade 9 construction firms, when venturing into other construction markets on the African continent? and, what influence do strategic international risk variables have on the preferred entry mode choice by managers in South Africa’s grade 9 construction firms? Research methodology: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of strategic international risks on the preferred entry mode choice. The study is founded on a direct realist philosophy. The survey research strategy was used and a questionnaire was sent out to collect the required data and the mono-method research choice was applied to collect and analyse the data. Furthermore, a cross-sectional time horizon has been applied in this study. The qualitative data collection method was used together with the qualitative content analysis method of analysis. Research procedure: To answer the above questions, Grade 9 contractors
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    Construction project management registration and project performance
    (2017) Phirwa, Tabodi
    Project management is no longer seen as just a management based approach but as a profession in its own right. It is, however, still common that individuals practice project management without, necessarily, being registered with the profession creating a crossing of professional jurisdiction. Existing literature or lack thereof indicates shallow investigation into project management registration and its impact on project performance. This report compares the project performance of registered and non-registered construction project managers in the South African built environment. A mix method approach was applied where the quantitative data was collected and complimented by qualitative data that aimed to solicit perceived factors that may influence improved project performance. Using a cross-sectional survey interview consisting of a semistructured questionnaire, data were collected from project management practitioners and professionals with the relevant knowledge and experience. The survey solicited 578 responses, with only 402 being regarded as complete survey responses. There respondents were sourced from the various professional councils that fall under the South African Built Environment. The results indicate no significant differentiation between the project performance of registered construction project managers and those who are not registered as construction project managers. On the job experience is considered a vital factor influencing project performance from a project manager’s perspective. Responses also indicate a variance in the perceived importance of construction project management registration. Despite the primary motivation behind registration having been expressed as “competitive advantage”, registration was considered most effective when used in combination with education, training and the understanding of project management knowledge areas.
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    Investigating public sector client performance in South African construction procurement
    (2017) Saad, Mohammed Mustapha
    This study proceeds from the premise that the dissatisfaction of the clients with the outcomes of the construction projects stems from their objectives not being met by the industry. The study aimed at investigating public sector clients’ performance in the South African construction procurement with a view to establishing how their efficiency and effectiveness could be improved during procurement processes. The specific research objectives are to: identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for public sector clients in their procurement process; assess and analyse the weaknesses and strengths associated with public sector clients’ performance in the construction procurement process; develop a methodical approach to the measurement of public sector clients’ performance in their procurement processes; and recommend implementable approaches to improving client performance in the public sector procurement process. A qualitative and quantitative mixed method research design was adopted in carrying out the study. This involved the use of interviews and structured questionnaire survey. Data were collected from National and Provincial Departments of Public Works as public sector client representatives in South Africa. Based on the analysis of the organogram, a total of six functional units involved in the procurement process were identified and targeted for the purpose of data collection. The purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study. These are Heads of Departments, Deputy Directors General responsible for construction projects, Chief financial officers, Heads of supply chain management, Heads of human resources management, and senior project managers. Information collected included issues leading to uncovering of public sector key performance indicators (KPIs) and strengths and weaknesses associated with public sector clients’ performance. Data collected were analysed using content analysis to determine the themes and constructs leading to the identification of public key performance indicators. Further analysis was carried out using mean ranking analysis of factors associated with the strengths and weaknesses associated with public sector clients’ performance. The results of the research show project delivery process as good, not excellent; no detailed template for clarifying project briefs; legislative and administrative procedures lead to time and cost overruns; lack of adequate capabilities within in-house trained professionals and technical expertise to supervise all projects, insufficient in-house professionals to be represented on each project site; lack of mechanism to monitor in-house professionals’ participation on project sites; low participation of end users’ agents due to high incapacitation of User Department organisation; DPW are highly incapacitated because of lack of standard documentations; lack of professional training and short courses to enhance the skills and expertise of technical professionals. Other results show that delayed/late payment to contractors and end user agents due to cash flow challenges; weak or neglect of project monitoring and supervision; disputes between project managers and consultants as a result of quality of work done by contractors; bureaucratic bottlenecks and long decision making processes; design changes and variation due to contingent events, unforeseen circumstances due to weather, earthworks, disasters, changes in User Department briefs and challenges due to administration and political issues. The findings could also be drawn from challenges in descending order of importance from the human resources management units, the financial management units, the supply chain management units, project management units, decision making processes, planning units, design, briefing, documentation and policy issues. The study concluded that 137 public sector key performance indicators are identifiable for assessing public sector client performance in South African procurement. It also concluded that out of several challenges, the human resources, financial management, supply chain management, and project management challenges are the most severe challenges that beset the National and Provincial Department of Public Works, while the documentation and policy issues are less severe. Implementable recommendations were made to specific user departments. The human resources management units in the South African National and Provincial Departments of Public Works should adopt the recommendation suggested in this study to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of professionals during their project delivery process.
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    Development of Previously Disadvantaged Individual subcontractors in Public Private partnerships
    (2017) Mokoala, Joseph Rapula
    Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are an innovative method to deliver infrastructural projects without government having to use public funds for funding capital projects. This innovative method has been adopted worldwide and has yielded the intended results, more especially in European countries. This innovative method provides government with an opportunity to focus on governing and take advantage of skills and funding from the private sector to fund capital-intensive infrastructural projects. Within the South African context, all PPPs are required to comply with the requisites of the BEE Code of Good Practice for PPPs, which states that 10% of the bid weight will be allocated for compliance in terms of BEE. Over the years, this requirement has been met for the majority of PPP projects that reached financial close and complied with the requirements promulgated by the South African Government as a tool to promote, develop and empower up-and-coming entities. The aim of this study was to investigate the economic advancement occasioned by PPPs on Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) subcontracting. This was attained through the use of a case study method as a result of the type of questions and objectives to be met. The study revealed that PPP projects are compliant with the BEE Code of Good Practice for PPPs. However, the requirements are not specific and clear in the PPP agreement to facilitate better monitoring and evaluation. Keywords: Previously Disadvantaged Individuals, Subcontracting, Black Economic Empowerment, Public Private Partnerships
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